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The raw materials for making xylophones are mahogany and neem woods, calabashes, leather made from goat or antelope skin, spider egg cases, string and some rubber sheet and a great deal of skill ! You sometimes see instruments for sale in tourist shops in Accra or Tamale which appear similar, but they are very poor immitations, and involve little of the skill and experience of the traditional makers and use inferior materials. To see or get the real thing, you'll have to go to Lawra !

The xylophone maker, Mr Bogrei's uncle has been making xylophones for over 40 years. His instruments can be found right around the world. He has made xylophones of all sizes for dozens of VSOs, Peace Corps, CUSO and other visitors to Lawra. You may wonder why I refer to him as Mr Bogrei's uncle ? Well, Mr Bogrei or Bob, is the senior driver for Lawra Secondary school where I worked. I knew Bob very well and meet the xylophone maker through him and never knew him as any thing else, hence the title.